[Dailydrool] Mitchell update update update

[Esther Strom]

I so wish I had known about that harness when Waldo was recovering from his back surgery a number of years ago, and again when he was so weak near the end of his life. It would have made things so much less painful for both of us. I'm definitely bookmarking the site for future reference. 

I absolutely understand keeping Mitchell with you - as long as he's happy, his physical imperfections don't matter. I'll be thinking about you and hoping that he has a good long time left.

Esther and Waldo ATB



----- Original Message ----
Mitchell is about the same. His motor skills are poor. He cannot color in the lines at all and we have taken the scissors away from him.
He has his own little (not so little) pen in the Living Room and to the absolute horror of the other dogs, it includes ALL the morning sunlight. Yesterday Llewis managed to get in there to lay in the sun with Mitchell.
Altho I joke about his motor skills it is true that they basically suck. He has serious neurological deficits both front and rear. We have switched, after a very traumatic morning Friday when he collapsed outside on the deck (I thought he was dead). back to injectible Dexamethasone. Every day he also gets sucralfate and Tagamet for his tummy, an anti-spas for his bowels, and usually tramadol once or twice a day.
Lest any of you be wondering why we do not put him down do not bother to write and suggest it, or ask. It is because he still is enjoying the limited time he has. He will not be recovering from this, we know. Eventually even the meagre skills he has will deteriorate and we are well aware of this.
Meantime we purchased a FABULOUS harness/support system (since he has trouble front AND rear) It was very expensive but it arrived yesterday (one day after we ordered it) and I am in love with it.It takes some getting used to, putting it on a dog that cannot stand up for you to do it, but it provides total support, from the chest to rear. Designed so the boys cannot pee on it by mistake, I think Mitchell feels safer and more confident when he has to go outside.He is learning quickly that unless I let go of the straps,he cannot fall. I don't own stock in the company but i sure wish i did.

MomPerson to Nigel,Llewis,Cooper and especially Mitchell